Volunteers who are struggling to learn the language while trying to

carve out a defined job in their community often become frustrated

within a few months. Organizing a PDM workshop earlier in their

service may outweigh the advantages of waiting until their language

is better. Using participatory processes to assist the community in

analyzing and designing its own projects may require that the

Volunteer work with a translator, hopefully a Counterpart, well into

their service. Interpretation may be necessary because the language

skills needed for facilitating are quite sophisticated. In fact, there is a

great strength in working with a Counterpart on all the processes of

project design and management. Collaboration with a Counterpart

will help ensure that the Volunteer is being responsive to the

community and has someone to help him or her interpret the culturally

based behaviors or beliefs that may not be apparent.

Volunteers who are assigned to existing projects may have other

technical training needs that take precedence over project design skills.

In fact, a PDM workshop may not be necessary for these Volunteers

unless they have responsibilities for monitoring existing community

development projects or will have opportunities to assist in the design

and management of future projects. In those cases, the PDM workshop

probably could take place six months into their service.

Translation Issues and Options

Translation issues and options will depend on the language situation

in the particular country. If the workshop is offered early in the

Volunteers' service (see previous section) and Counterparts do not

speak English comfortably enough to attend an all English training,

then the PDM workshop should be conducted using translations in

both languages as much as possible.

When translation is appropriate, there are some options beyond

simultaneous translation. Bilingual trainers can do translation as

necessary. Having written materials translated in advance may make

this option more viable. Simultaneous charting in English and the

local language during brainstorming or other large group activities

also enhances the learning experience. Volunteers or Counterparts

who have advanced language proficiency can help as well. Or, if

practical, Volunteers and Counterparts can pair up with people in

each group who have strong language skills. Volunteers and

Counterparts work together at their sites, so working together on

community project design and management in the workshop will

mirror their daily experience. It is the large group presentations of

new information or summary sessions that tend to be more

problematic for Counterparts or Volunteers less confident about

language.

Appendix B contains a resource for using interpreters. If appropriate,

Appendix B can be used as a handout for participants.

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